Avalanche forecast

Olympics

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

An incoming storm will bring rain and snow and strong winds to the Olympics on Friday.  Approach steep open slopes below ridgelines with freshly drifted snow cautiously.  At lower elevations,  if you find yourself sinking into wet snow deeper than your ankle, stay off of very steep slopes near terrain traps. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Shallow new wind slabs may form below ridgelines by Friday afternoon.  As you climb in elevation, feel for wind-stiffened or hollow-sounding snow to help you identify which steep lee slopes to steer around.  If you see cracking in the surface snow or recent avalanches, choose lower-angled terrain sheltered from the wind.  Pay attention to which aspects are being loaded; strong SW winds may load aspects that were scoured earlier in the week by W-NW winds. 

    Continued mild temperatures overnight may mean you can find wet snow below treeline Friday.  If you find yourself sinking deeper than your ankle, avoid very steep slopes where a small wet loose avalanche could knock you off your feet and cause injury like near open creeks, cliff bands, or exposed rocks. 

    (2/1/2022)

    A small wind loaded test slope that cracks is a clear sign to steer clear of steep wind-loaded slopes nearby. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Observers found about 4-6" of snow (Sun/Mon) sitting above the firm late January crust in the Hurricane Ridge area.  As temperatures warmed above freezing on Thursday with mostly cloudy skies and occasional spits of light rain or snow,  snow surfaces became wet or moist and several small wet loose avalanches ran suprisingly long distances above the crust.  Wet loose avalanches were noted on northerly aspects releasing from steep cliffs and were also skier triggered on steeper southerly slopes.  While temperatures will likely remain mild Thursday night,  the onset of precipitation, lowering snow levels, increasing winds, should help limit the opporunity for loose wet avalanches.  As always, make your own observations and adjust your travel as necessary to match conditions. Below the late January crust a strong and well-settled snowpack exists. 

2021-22 Forecast Schedule: Avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week when the Hurricane Ridge road is closed, forecast information will be updated daily to include expected conditions and relevant travel advice under the No Rating label.

Regions covered